Self-heating transportation network surface for preventing accumulation of snow or ice

ABSTRACT

A self-heating surface, system and method for use in a transportation network are described. The heated surface does not require electricity to generate heat as a heating source. The self-heating surface preferably forms one or more portions or sections of a transportation network, including pedestrian walkways, roads, railways, or airport runways. The self-heating surface comprises an inner heating member which is fully encapsulated by an outer shell material. The self-heating surface is designed to prevent or minimize accumulation of snow or ice upon the surface by providing a heated surface capable of melting any snow or ice falling on, resting on, or forming thereupon.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a heated surface, to a transportation network system using a heated surface to prevent the accumulation of snow or ice, and more particularly, to a transportation network using a self-generating heated travel-way which minimizes or prevents the accumulation of snow or ice associated with the transportation network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ability to quickly and safely travel from one destination to a second destination is vital to a modern society. At the heart of such travel are the numerous travel networks, such as vehicle roads, sidewalks, bicycle pathways, or airplane runways, which connect people to other people, commercial markets, recreation, or services. These travel-ways are vital to maintain commercial viability both locally and globally, and to provide a mechanism to allow the transfer of knowledge and cultural understanding. Societies with reliable transportation networks tend to thrive economically and culturally, as compared to those societies that have unreliable transportation networks.

Cold weather climates provide a challenge in providing and maintaining travel networks. Cold weather climates often produce snow and ice, causing the travel networks to be dangerous and less reliable. The addition of snow or ice on the travel networks often results in increased accidents, as well as increased travel times. Traditional methods of removing snow and ice from the travel networks generally require training and the use of man hours, large expensive snow removal equipment, or other chemical means, such as the application of salt or sand to the roadways. While such measures result in clearing the travel networks, they can be expensive to maintain. In addition, they can be less efficient as snow falls at a continued rate over a time period, requiring such measures to be repeated on a continuous basis to maintain any previously cleared pathways. As such, there is a need in the art for an improved system for maintaining travel networks free of snow or ice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a self-heating surface for use in a transportation network. The present invention also includes a heated surface which does not require electricity to generate heat as a heating source. A system for preventing accumulation of snow or ice on a surface used for the transportation of people or powered machines (bicycles, cars, airplanes, trains, motorcycles) from one destination to a second destination is also provided. The present invention also provides for a method of maintaining a transportation network at a temperature which prevents or minimizes accumulation of snow or ice thereupon.

The self-heating surface preferably forms one or more portions or sections of a transportation network, including pedestrian walkways, roads, railways, or airport runways. The self heating surface comprises an inner heating member which is fully encapsulated by an outer shell material. The self-heating surface is designed to prevent or minimize accumulation of snow or ice upon the surface by providing a heated surface capable of melting any snow or ice falling on, resting on, or forming thereupon. In an illustrated example, the self-heating surface comprises an inner heating member formed from spent fuel and a concrete outer material. The spent fuel (used to form the inner heating member) continues to generate heat as a result of the radioactive decay of elements inside the fuel. To prevent damage to the user, the spent fuel may be enclosed in a protective shield, such as a lead wrap and/or concrete wrap.

In one embodiment, a heated surface which does not require electricity to generate heat as a heating source comprises an inner heating member configured to self-generate heat, an an outer shell material, said outer shell fully encapsulating said inner heating member.

In one embodiment, a system for preventing accumulation of heat or ice on a surface used for the transportation of people or powered machines from one destination to a second destination comprises: a pathway configured to allow a person or a powered machine to move thereon from one destination to a second destination, said pathway having at least one portion containing a heated surface configured to maintain said portion of said pathway at a temperature that prevents the accumulation of snow or ice.

In one embodiment, a method of maintaining a transportation network at a temperature which prevents or minimizes accumulation of snow or ice thereupon comprises: providing a pathway configured to allow a person or a powered machine to move thereon from one destination to a second destination, said pathway having at least one portion containing a heated surface configured to maintain said portion of said pathway at a temperature that prevents the accumulation of snow or ice.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the invention to provide a self-heating surface.

It is an objective of the invention to provide travel ways for pedestrians which minimize the requirement for snow removal machinery to remove accumulated snow or ice therefrom.

It is an objective of the invention to provide travel ways for motorized vehicles which minimizes the requirement for snow removal machinery to remove accumulated snow or ice therefrom.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a heated surface which does not require electricity to generate heat as a heating source.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a system for preventing accumulation of snow or ice on a surface used for the transportation of people or powered machines from one destination to a second destination.

It is an objective of the invention to provide a method of maintaining a transportation network at a temperature which prevents or minimizes accumulation of snow or ice thereupon.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide a self-heating surface for use in a transportation network.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a self-heating surface configured to prevent accumulation of snow and ice.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a self-heating surface configured to prevent accumulation of snow and ice over a predetermined time period.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a self-heating surface configured to be maintained at a predetermined temperature.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide one or more portions of a travel network which does not require external power sources to provide a heated surface.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a self-heating surface having a self-generating heating source configured to prevent accumulation of snow and ice.

It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a self-heating surface having a self-generating heating source configured to prevent accumulation of snow and ice over a predetermined time period.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a self-heating surface using spent fuel as the self-generating heating source to prevent accumulation of snow and ice.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-heating transportation network surface;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the self-heating transportation network surface illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates the self-heating transportation network surface having a secondary shielding material;

FIG. 4 illustrates the self-heating transportation network surface comprising a plurality of self-heating elements;

FIG. 5 illustrates a self-heating transportation network surface with heat conducting members;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the self-heating transportation network surface illustrated as a pedestrian walkway or sidewalk;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the self-heating transportation network surface illustrated as a public road for vehicle travel; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating zones of heat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a self-heating transportation network surface, referred to generally as a self-heating surface 10, is shown. The self-heating surface 10 preferably forms one or more portions or sections of a transportation network. As used herein, the term “transportation network” is defined to mean any surface or pathway associated with or directly used to transport or move individuals or powered vehicles, such as automobiles or aircraft, from one position to another position. The network may include, for example, a pedestrian walkway or travel-way, a pedestrian sidewalk, a vehicle travel-way or a street or road, an airplane runway, a taxiway, a subway or railway, or a bridge surface. The self-heating surface 10 is designed to prevent or minimize accumulation of snow or ice upon the surface by providing a heated surface capable of melting any snow or ice falling on, resting on, or forming thereupon.

The self-heating surface 10 contains an inner heating member 12 fully encapsulated by an outer shell material 14. The heating member 12 comprises an outer protective shield material and a self-generating heating material 18. The self-generating heating material 18 provides heat without the need for external heat producing components, such as power sources to generate electricity, or electrodes. This is in contrast to radiant floor heating systems that use mats containing coils warmed by electricity. The requirement of electricity for providing a heated system makes such systems too costly for use in transportation networks as such systems can stretch for miles, and adds additional associated costs for upkeep and maintenance. In addition, providing electricity for such heating systems might be impractical in some areas. A material capable of self-generating heat allows for heat generating transportation networks to be used over vast distances and is more economical to operate over the long run as such systems do not require heat generating equipment.

Preferably, the self-generating heating material 18 is spent fuel, or nuclear fuel that has been irradiated in a nuclear reactor. The spent fuel removed from reactors and used as the self-generating heating material 18 must be capable of generating heat over a period of time. The nuclear fuel used as spent fuel can be any material that can be burned by a nuclear fission or fussion to derive nuclear energy. Such materials often include heavy fissle elements that are capable of nuclear fussion, including, but not limited to uranium-235, plutonium-239.

The protective shield material 16 surrounds the self-generating heating material 18 and is made of a material that prevents any harmful effects, such as radiation, from the self-generating heating material 18. The protective shield material 16 may be lead or a lead based material, steel, concrete, or any other material calculated to be sufficiently protective against harmful effects of the self-generating heating material 18 to humans or other mammals. In an alternative embodiment, a protective shield material 16 will not be used. The self-generating heating material 18 is further fully encapsulated by the outer shell material 14. The outer shell material 14 is preferably a material that 1) can support the weight and continued use of any component of the travel network system, i.e. people, cars, airplanes, trains; 2) does not interact with the self-generating heating material 18; or 3) maintains the self-generating heating material 18 in proper position.

Preferably, the outer shell material 14 is a concrete surface, such as a Portland cement concrete (Portland cement, coarse aggregates, sand and water).

Several parameters are used to provide a mechanism to prevent accumulation of snow and ice on the self-heating surface 10. Such parameters include thickness of the outer shell material 14, the distance between the upper surface 20 and the self-generating heating material 18 (see X, FIG. 2), the amount of self-generating heating material 18 used, the type of self-generating heating material 18 used, the age of the self generating material used (i.e. how long it has been generating heat), and the placement of the self-generating heating material within the outer material 14. One or more of these parameters can be used to maintain the self-heating surface 10 at or near a predetermined temperature. Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the self-heating surface 10 illustrates the positioning of the self-generating heating material 18 within the outer shell material 14. One or more of the parameters may be used to ensure that at least the upper surface 20 of the self-heating surface 10 maintains a predetermined temperature. As an illustrative example, an upper surface 20 temperature above freezing, such as between 5 and 10 degrees C., may be desirable so that as the snow or water hits the upper surface 20, the snow would melt or the water would not be able to form ice. In very cold climates, the upper surface may be maintained at temperatures above 10 degrees C. to counter the effect air temperature has on the upper surface 20. In addition to maintaining the upper surface 20 at a predetermined temperature, one or more parameters described above may be used to maintain the entire self-heating surface 10 at a predetermined temperature as well.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic representations of the self-heating transportation network surface 10 illustrated as a concrete pedestrian walkway or sidewalk 21 (FIG. 6), or a public road for vehicle travel (FIG. 7). FIG. 6 shows the self-heating surface 10 forming a pedestrian walkway, allowing individuals to travel between multiple buildings, including a high-rise apartment complex 22, a grocery store 24, and a high-rise commercial shopping mall 26. In this embodiment, the self-heating surface 10 is formed by the inner heating member 12 being made of a protective lead shielding material surrounding the self-generating heating material 18 of spent fuel. Within multiple areas of the self-heating surface 10 is a plurality of spaced apart inner heating members 12, illustrated as dashed lines to indicate being positioned below the upper surface 28 of the concrete pedestrian walkway or sidewalk 21. The self-heating surface 10 provides a mechanism to heat the upper surface 28 of the concrete pedestrian walkway or sidewalk 21 to a predetermined temperature or temperature range in order to prevent snow or ice accumulation or formation. As such, a safer pedestrian walk-way is formed as there is a reduced risk of falling as a result of snow or ice. In addition, there are there is less requirement for humans to clear and maintain the clear pathway between the high-rise apartment complex 22, the grocery store 24, and the high-rise commercial shopping mall 26.

FIG. 7 shows the self-heating surface 10 forming a series of vehicular roadways or streets 31, allowing moving vehicles (not shown), such as automobiles, to travel between multiple buildings, including a high-rise commercial office building 30, a restaurant 32, and a movie theater 34. The commercial office building 30 includes an outdoor parking lot 36. The restaurant 32 includes an outdoor parking lot 38. The movie theater 34 includes an indoor parking lot 40. In this embodiment, the self-heating surface 10 forming the vehicular roadways or streets 31 is formed by the inner heating member 12 being made of a protective lead shielding material surrounding the self-generating heating material 18 of spent fuel. Within multiple areas of the vehicular roadways or streets 31 are a plurality of spaced apart inner heating members 12, illustrated as dashed lines to indicate being positioned below the vehicular roadway or street surfaces 42. The self-heating surface 10 provides a mechanism to heat the vehicular roadway or street surface 42 to a predetermined temperature or temperature range in order to prevent snow or ice accumulation or formation. As such, a safer vehicle travel way is formed as there is a reduced risk of accidents associated with snow or ice on the roads. There are also fewer requirements for use of machines and manpower to clear and maintain cleared pathways on the vehicular roadways or streets 31. As shown in FIG. 7, the self-heating surface 10 may also be used in the outdoor parking lots 36 and 38. Parking lot 40 is an indoor lot, and does not include the self-heating surface 10 because removal of snow and ice is not required.

Whether the self-heating surface 10 forms the concrete pedestrian walkway or sidewalk 21, the vehicular roadways or streets 31, or any other transportation network pathways, the inner heating members 12 should provide a sufficient zone of heat 44, see FIG. 8, to provide a sufficiently sized heated surface to maintain all areas of the concrete pedestrian walkway or sidewalk 21, the vehicular roadways or streets 31, or any other transportation network pathways by prohibiting formation of snow or ice thereupon. In places where multiple inner heating members 12 are used, zones of heat overlap 46 may be desired to prevent non-heated areas.

To aid in dispersal of heat generated from inner heating members 12, one or more heat conducting members 48 may be used. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner heating member 12 is positioned in the middle of the self-heating surface 10. Secured to, or integrally formed to, the inner heating members 12 are four heat conducting members 48 extending away from and outwardly from the inner heating members 12. Each of the heat conducting members 48 are sized to extend to the corners of the self-heating surface 10, thereby transferring the heat from the center to the outer portions. The heat conducting members 48 may be, for example, a ceramic material, a metal wire, a copper wire, or a silver wire.

Referring to FIG. 4, the self-heating surface 10 is illustrated with a plurality of smaller, encapsulated inner heating members, shown as capsules 50. The capsules 50 contain the outer protective shield material 16 and the self-generating heating material 18 dispersed within the outer shell material 14.

If needed, a secondary protective layer 52 (i.e. lead), see FIG. 3, may also enclose the inner heating member 12 to provide additional protection against any harmful effects.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A heated surface which does not require electricity to generate heat as a heating source comprising: an inner heating member configured to self-generate heat; and an outer shell material, said outer shell fully encapsulating said inner heating member.
 2. The heated surface according to claim 1 wherein said inner heating member comprises a self-heating material.
 3. The heated surface according to claim 2 wherein said self-heating material is spent fuel.
 4. The heated surface according to claim 3 wherein said inner heating member further comprises an outer protective shield material.
 5. The heated surface according to claim 3 wherein said outer material is concrete.
 6. The heated surface according to claim 1 further including at least one heat conducting member coupled to said inner heating member.
 7. The heated surface according to claim 1 wherein said outer member is sized to maintain a predetermine temperature.
 8. The heated surface according to claim 1 wherein said self-heating material is in sufficient quantity to maintain a predetermine temperature.
 9. A system for preventing accumulation of snow or ice on a surface used for the transportation of people or powered machines from one destination to a second destination comprising: a pathway configured to allow a person or a powered machine to move thereon from one destination to a second destination, said pathway having at least one portion containing a heated surface configured to maintain said portion of said pathway at a temperature that prevents the accumulation of snow or ice.
 10. The system for preventing accumulation of snow or ice on a surface used for the transportation of people or powered machines from one destination to a second destination according to claim 9 wherein said pathway comprises an inner heating member configured to self-generate heat.
 11. The system for preventing accumulation of snow or ice on a surface used for the transportation of people or powered machines from one destination to a second destination according to claim 10 wherein said inner heating member comprises a self-heating material.
 12. The system for preventing accumulation of snow or ice on a surface used for the transportation of people or powered machines from one destination to a second destination according to claim 11 wherein said self-heating material is spent fuel.
 13. The system for preventing accumulation of snow or ice on a surface used for the transportation of people or powered machines from one destination to a second destination according to claim 12 wherein a pathway contains concrete fully encapsulating said inner heating member.
 14. The system for preventing accumulation of snow or ice on a surface used for the transportation of people or powered machines from one destination to a second destination according to claim 13 wherein the amount of concrete encapsulating said inner heating member determines the temperature of an upper surface of said pathway.
 15. The system for preventing accumulation of snow or ice on a surface used for the transportation of people or powered machines from one destination to a second destination according to claim 9 wherein said self-heating material is in sufficient quantity to maintain a predetermine temperature.
 16. A method of maintaining a transportation network at a temperature which prevents or minimizes accumulation of snow or ice thereupon comprising: providing a pathway configured to allow a person or a powered machine to move thereon from one destination to a second destination, said pathway having at least one portion containing a heated surface configured to maintain said portion of said pathway at a temperature that prevents the accumulation of snow or ice.
 17. The method of maintaining a transportation network at a temperature which prevents or minimizes accumulation of snow or ice thereupon, according to claim 16, wherein said inner heating member comprises a self-heating material.
 18. The method of maintaining a transportation network at a temperature which prevents or minimizes accumulation of snow or ice thereupon, according to claim 17, wherein said self heating material is spent fuel.
 19. The method of maintaining a transportation network at a temperature which prevents or minimizes accumulation of snow or ice thereupon, according to claim 18, wherein said pathway contains concrete fully encapsulating said inner heating member.
 20. The method of maintaining a transportation network at a temperature which prevents or minimizes accumulation of snow or ice thereupon, according to claim 19, wherein the amount of concrete encapsulating said inner heating member determines the temperature of an upper surface of said pathway, or said self-heating material is in sufficient quantity to maintain a predetermine temperature. 